Interspecific tree named ‘Sweet Pixzee 2’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1) Vigorous, upright tree growth.   2) Heavy and regular bearer of medium size fruit.   3) Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   4) Fruit with good handling and shipping quality.   5) Fruit with an average Brix of 17.8° with a good balance between acid and sugar.

Botanical classification: Interspecific Prunus species.

Variety denomination: ‘Sweet Pixzee 2’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

1. Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

2. Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of cherry and interspecific species, whichare known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Tri-Lite’ Interspecific (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 8,393), the proprietary cherry selection ‘101EB486’(non-patented) and the proprietary non-patented interspecific selections‘178LM74’, ‘125LE383’ and ‘5ZA500’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree [(Prunussalicina×(Prunus salicina×Prunus armeniaca))×Prunus avium]×[Prunussalicina×(Prunus salicina×Prunus persica)] was originated by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. as a first generationcross between our proprietary interspecific selections; ‘178LM74’(non-patented) and ‘5ZA500’ (non-patented). The seed parent ‘178LM74’(non-patented) originated as a first generation cross between ourproprietary interspecific seedling selection ‘125LE583’ (non-patented)and our proprietary cherry seedling selection ‘101EB486’ (non-patented).The pollen parent ‘5ZA500’ (non-patented) originated from crossesbetween the following; ‘Tri-Lite’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No.8,393) and the proprietary interspecific seedling selection ‘150LB26’(non-patented). A large number of these first generation seedlingsgrowing on their own root system, were budded to older trees of‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented) to induce earlier maturity andfruit evaluation. Under close and careful observation one such seedlingexhibited desirable fruit and tree characteristics and was selected in2005 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecifictree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree andall characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established andtransmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree[(Plum×Plumcot)×Cherry]×[Plum×(Plum×Peach)] is of large size, vigorous,upright growth and a productive and regular bearer of medium size,yellow flesh, firm fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. Thefruit is further characterized by holding firm on the tree three weekspast maturity (shipping ripe) and having good storage and shippingquality. In comparison to its seed parent ‘178LM74’ (non-patented) thefruit of the new variety has red skin color compared to yellow and islarger in size. In comparison to the pollen parent ‘5ZA500’(non-patented) the fruit of the new variety is smaller in size and isapproximately 18 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to thecommercial interspecific variety ‘Dapple Supreme’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.16,412) the fruit of the new variety has yellow flesh compared to red,is smaller in size and is approximately 5 days later in maturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 6 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width            for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with different            cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of approximately 1.5 to 2            meters the first growing season. Varies with cultural            practices, soil type, fertility and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright growth, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 30°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            desirable for market size fruit. Fruit set varies with            climatic conditions during bloom season.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 4 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase sunlight and air movement to center of tree to            enhance fruit color and health of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 850 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average circumference 50.8 cm at 25.4            cm above ground level on a 6 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, becomes rougher with age.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 4/8 to 10YR 5/8.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 14.7 cm at 1.0 meter            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 30°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Size — medium. Average number 52 in a 25.8 sq cm            area. Average length 2.9 mm. Average width 0.8 mm. Color            varies from 5YR 6/10 to 7.5YR 6/8.        -   Color.—New growth 5GY 5/8. Old growth varies from 7.5YR 2/4            to 10YR 4/2, varies with age of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 84.6 mm. Average width 36.5 mm.        -   Form.—Elliptical.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 13.1 mm. Average width 1.1 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Very short pubescence. Color — 5GY            4/6.        -   Glands.—Globose. Size — very small. Average length 0.5 mm.            Average diameter 0.2 mm. Average number — 2, varies from 1            to 3. Located primarily on the upper portion of the petiole            and base of leaf blade. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY            6/6.        -   Stipules.—Average number 2. Average length 4.9 mm. Margin —            serrate. Color varies from 5GY 7/6 to 5GY 6/6.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 3/6 to 7.5GY 3/4. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 5/4 to 7.5GY 4/4. Midvein color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 10.4 mm. Average diameter 5.1            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming slightly elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 9.9 mm. Average width 0.6 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/8. Surface — glabrous.        -   Color.—N 9.5/ (white).        -   Number of buds per spur: Average number 9, varies from 8            to 13. Varies with age of spur.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 28, 2010. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 7, 2010, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average height 11.4 mm. Average diameter 16.4            mm.        -   Petals.—Size — medium. Number — normally 5, alternately            arranged to sepals. Average length 9.7 mm. Average width            7.4 mm. Form — varies from globose to slightly elongated.            Margin — sinuate. Color — N 9.5/ (white). Both upper and            lower surfaces glabrous.        -   Sepals.—Number — normally 5, alternately arranged to petals.            Size — medium. Average length 3.4 mm. Average width 2.3 mm.            Form — triangular, apex rounded. Margin — entire. Color —            upper surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/8. Lower surface            varies from 5GY 6/6 to 7.5GY 6/6. Both upper and lower            surface glabrous.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 29. Average filament            length 8.8 mm. Filament color N 9.5/ (white). Anther color            varies from 5Y 8/10 to 5Y 7/12.        -   Pollen.—Self sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            2.5Y 7/10 to 2.5Y 7/12.        -   Pistil.—Normally one. Surface — glabrous. Average length            11.2 mm. Stigma height approximately 0.9 mm above anthers.            Color varies from 10Y 8.5/6 to 2.5GY 8/8.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Color.—N 9.5/ (white).        -   Number of flowers per flower bud.—Average number 2, varies            from 1 to 3.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 10.9 mm. Average width 0.7 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 7/8. Surface — glabrous.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 24, 2010.        -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 2, 2010, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average diameter axially 49.2 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 46.8 mm. Average weight 59.6            grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of            thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Slightly elongated to globose.        -   Suture.—Nearly smooth.        -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth.        -   Apex.—Nearly rounded.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 1.5 mm. Average diameter 2.7 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 19.8 mm. Average diameter 2.1            mm.        -   Color.—2.5GY 6/8.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Good, comparable to commercial plum varieties.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.        -   Flavor.—Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Heavy amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average 17.8°, varies slightly with amount of fruit            per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 8/6 to 5R 4/14 next to skin.        -   Pit cavity.—Ovoid to globose. Average length 24.2 mm.            Average width 15.8 mm. Color varies from 5Y 7/6 to 5YR 6/6.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Bloom.—Moderate amount.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 5Y 8/6 to 7.5Y 7/6.            Overspread with 7.5R 3/10 to 7.5R 3/12. Very small, randomly            spaced areas of exposed ground color giving a speckling            pattern to surface.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—Undetected.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Medium. Average length 22.0 mm. Average width 14.2 mm.            Average thickness 8.5 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 1.3 mm.        -   Surface.—Very small pits throughout.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—A small narrow ridge on each side of suture            extending from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/6 to 10YR 5/8 when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 15.3 mm. Average width 8.9 mm.            Average depth 5.1 mm.        -   Form.—Ovoid.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin.—Color varies from 5Y 9/4 to 7.5Y 9/4.-   Use: Dessert.    -   -   Market.—Local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°    to 42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or    appreciable loss of eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh    bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage andfruit herein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecifictree, substantially as illustrated and described.